Cove House
ResidenceSag Harbor, NY
Co-Lead Designer: Gabriel Vergara
AoR: Charles M. Thomas, AIA
General Contractor:Constructive Framing
Structural Engineer (Pergola):
AVRO Engineering
The COVE HOUSE is a single family home situated on Morris Cove in Sag Harbor, NY. The lot sits on a gentle slope and is bound to the west by Morris Cove and to the east by Bluff Point Road. The clients want a volume with expansive views, largely oriented toward the water and southern exposures, while maintaining intimate coves around the outdoor gathering areas.
The COVE HOUSE is a single family home situated on Morris Cove in Sag Harbor, NY. The lot sits on a gentle slope and is bound to the west by Morris Cove and to the east by Bluff Point Road. The clients want a volume with expansive views, largely oriented toward the water and southern exposures, while maintaining intimate coves around the outdoor gathering areas.
COVE HOUSE proposes a two story home with four bedrooms and four baths on the upper level. The kitchen and living room are on the ground floor, in addition to a room with a flexible program. The plans also include a detached garage and a swimming pool.
Site & Context
The neighborhood is comprised of mostly summer homes. The surrounding houses vary in both size and style--some dating back to the 19th century. A handful of cottages and ranch homes built between the 1950’s and 1970’s remain, however many have been renovated or completely rebuilt by new owners. Notable historic homes include the 1953 cottage once occupied by writer John Steinbeck and the 1850’s home built for a captain at 20 John St.
The clients requested a modern-style house with large glass expanses for taking in the views and the light and for creating seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces. The designers looked to the region’s construction and design history, from the 20th century through the modern era, to develop a vernacular design, responsive to both Hamptons style and local ecology.
Site & Ecology
Because the site is located within the wetland jurisdiction, it requires a naturally vegetated upland buffer. These buffers play a critical role in the protection of adjoining wetlands and bodies of water. The buffer region contains some notable features such as a large Eastern Red Cedar, Cherry Trees, and bayburry bush ground cover.
In support of the existing ecosystems, the new construction designates a naturally vegetated passage to the bay for wildlife on the north side of the property.